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An Introduction to Forensic Archaeology - CED00017C

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  • Department: Centre for Lifelong Learning
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23

Module summary

Forensics have come to the forefront of many academic disciplines of late, and here we will focus on the examination of human remains to learn about the individual concerned and the circumstances of their deposition, looking at how to locate buried evidence, as well as how to recover and record findings. ‘Reading the skeleton’ is a difficult skill to master, but through case studies and the review of analytical techniques, we will offer a solid introduction to all learners. The module will involve some practical demonstrations with real skeletons, students’ ethical concerns will be taken into account.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2022-23

Module aims

The module aims to provide students with a comprehensive knowledge of the theoretical aspects, methodology and practical aspects of forensic archaeology. It will aim to demonstrate the scientific basis of the techniques used to find, recover, record and interpret buried archaeological and forensic evidence.

An introductory survey of the basic principles of the study of human remains it will also be provided, with the aims of: establishing personal identity with emphases on the metric and non-metric characterisation of skeletal shape and size; the application of demographic reference standards for age and sex determination and population affinity; an introduction of pathologies and skeletal signs of violence; musculoskeletal occupational markers; and anatomical variation applied to establishing human identity.

This module will offer some examples of how these have been used in real archaeological investigations. The students will also obtain an online ‘hands on’ (show and tell) practical experience investigating the life and death of real archaeological individuals.

Students’ ethical concerns regarding the practical sessions will be taken into account.

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

  1. Describe the main methods and theories employed in forensic archaeology
  2. Critically discuss the importance of the study of human burial to our understanding of the forensic or archaeological context
  3. Describe archaeological methods of excavation and surveying.
  4. Analyse archaeological stratigraphy in archaeological and forensic context.
  5. Outline the types of information gathered from the analysis of human burials from different periods to differentiate modern from ancient activity
  6. Assess and apply a range of forensic and archaeological methods within different forensic and archaeological contexts.
  7. Explain the role of the forensic archaeologist within an overall crime scene strategy
  8. Be familiar with ethical and cultural considerations surrounding forensic work in general and human remains in particular.

Additional outcomes:

  • The module also encourages skills in problem-solving through the use of analytical techniques as well as ‘hands on’ practical experience.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

The tutor will give regular individual verbal and written feedback throughout the module on work submitted.

The assessment feedback is as per the university’s guidelines with regard to timings.

Indicative reading

  • Bass, W.M., 2005: Human Osteology: A Laboratory and Field Manual. Columbia: Missouri Archaeological Society.
  • Blau, S. and Ubelaker, D.H., 2009: Handbook of Forensic Anthropology and Archaeology. Walnut Creek: Left Coast Press.
  • Boddington, A., Garland, A.N. and Janaway, R.C., 1987: Death, Decay and Reconstruction: Approaches to Archaeology and Forensic Science.
  • Brickley, M. and Ferllini, R., 2007: Forensic Anthropology Case Studies from Europe. Springfield, Illinois: Charles C Thomas.
  • Byers, S,N., 2011: Introduction to forensic anthropology. Harlow: Pearson Education.
  • Cox, M. and Mays, S. 2000. Human osteology in archaeology and forensic science
  • Evis, L., 2016. Forensic Archaeology: The Application of Comparative Excavation Methods and Recording Systems. Oxford: Archaeopress Publishing.
  • Gunn, A. 2019: Essential Forensic Biology. Third Edition. Chichester: Wiley.
  • Haglund, W.D. and Sorg, M.H., 1997: Forensic Taphonomy: The Postmortem Fate of Human Remains. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
  • Haglund, W.D. and Sorg, M.H., 2002: Advances in Forensic Taphonomy: Method, Theory and Archaeological Perspectives. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
  • Hunter, J. and Cox, M., 2005: Forensic Archaeology: Advances in Theory and Practice. London: Routledge.
  • Hunter, J., Roberts, C. and Martin, A., 1996: Studies in Crime: An Introduction to Forensic Archaeology. London: Batsford.
  • Hunter, J. Simpson, B. and Colls, C.S., 2013: Forensic Approaches to Buried Remains. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.
  • Klepinger, L., 2006: Fundamentals of Forensic Anthropology. Chichester: Wiley-Liss.
  • Richards, M.P. and Britton, K., 2020: Archaeological Science: An Introduction. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
  • White, T.D. and Folkens, P.A., 2005: The Human Bone Manual. Amsterdam: Academic Press.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.